Media Advisory: Trudeau Is Only Major Party Leader Not Committed To A National Autism Strategy

TORONTO, Oct 10, 2019

Who: The Ontario Autism Coalition and Hon. Jim Munson, Senator
Where: Under The Umbrella Tree Education Centre, 508 Champagne Drive in North York
When: Friday, October 11, at 1:00 p.m.
What: Demand for a commitment from the Prime Minister to develop a National Autism Strategy

Please join The Ontario Autism Coalition and Hon. Senator Jim Munson at 508 Champagne Drive in North York on Friday, October 11, at 1:00 p.m. for a press conference.

Despite enormous pressure, from both inside and outside the Liberal party, Justin Trudeau has failed to commit to developing a National Autism Strategy. The lack of commitment leaves the Liberal Party alone among the four major parties, as the other three have all promised to develop such a plan.

Many organizations and individuals have spent years advocating for the federal government to take a leadership role in addressing issues related to autism. Liberal Senator Hon. Jim Munson (Ottawa/Rideau Canal) led the way in 2007 with the publication of the Senate report “Pay Now Or Pay Later: Autism Families In Crisis.”

The Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance (CASDA) and allied organizations have asked all parties for a commitment. In the spring of this year, 34 Liberal Members of Parliament wrote to Prime Minister Trudeau in support of the request, calling it a “Canadian responsibility.” Liberal party delegates passed a resolution in 2016 calling for federal government action.

These efforts have been ignored by Prime Minister Trudeau and the Liberal party leadership. Although it’s later, it’s not too late.

Disclaimer: Autism Speaks Canada is not endorsing any political party. Autism is a nonpartisan issue; our goal is to inform the public on all parties’ commitment to a national autism strategy.